Surry Hills Village
Surry Hills, Sydney
Located in Surry Hills, this mixed-use development project required a carefully considered façade lighting strategy to enhance both its architectural identity and nighttime presence. Working closely with the project team, Lucretia was engaged to develop a comprehensive lighting design that would highlight the building’s form, materiality, and commercial appeal.
Surry Hills Village is TOGA's redevelopment of the former Surry Hills Shopping Village, with architecture by SJB and Studio Prineas. Working to the architects' façade, Lucretia developed two lighting directions for the building.
The overall concept focused on creating a refined and engaging night-time façade through a layered lighting approach, balancing ambient illumination with precise accent lighting. The goal was to elevate the visual impact of the building while contributing to a welcoming and vibrant urban environment.
Developing a Layered Façade Lighting Strategy
At the early stage of the project, we developed a lighting concept centred on a layered façade approach, aiming to enhance the building’s architectural rhythm and nighttime identity. By combining ambient illumination with targeted accent lighting, we created a balanced scheme that highlights key structural elements while maintaining overall visual harmony.
Exploring Horizontal Emphasis and Street-Level Activation
In one direction, we focused on a horizontal lighting composition to emphasise the central façade band and activate the lower levels of the building. Through the use of linear wall-washing luminaires, we introduced a soft, continuous glow that reinforces the rhythm of the arches and enhances the building’s presence at street level, creating a welcoming and visually engaging frontage.
- 01 Central façade bandLinear wall-washing luminaires emphasise the central façade band with a soft, continuous glow.
- 02 Rhythm of the archesThe glow runs along the band and reinforces the rhythm of the arches.
- 03 Street levelThe lower levels are activated, giving the building a welcoming frontage at street level.
Articulating Architectural Geometry Through Light
In an alternative approach, we explored a more articulated lighting expression by introducing vertical accents and outlining key architectural features. By illuminating the edges of arches and window openings, we were able to strengthen the façade’s geometry and create a more defined visual hierarchy, allowing the building’s form to read clearly and dynamically at night.
Option 1 or Option 2
Both options drawn on the same elevation.
Enhancing Depth, Texture, and Materiality
Across both lighting directions, careful attention was given to how light interacts with the building’s materials. By using controlled beam angles and warm colour temperatures, we enhanced surface textures and introduced a sense of depth through light and shadow. This approach ensures the façade remains visually rich and refined, without appearing overly bright or uniform.
2200K vs. 3000K
Shown on a reference façade, not Surry Hills Village.
Precision Integration of Architectural Lighting
To achieve a clean and cohesive result, all lighting elements were carefully integrated into the building’s architecture. Linear fixtures and directional luminaires were selected for their precision and minimal visual impact, allowing the lighting to support the design intent while remaining discreet within the overall composition.
- 3000KWarm white, both options
- IP66Outdoor rated
- 50,000 hRated lifespan
108W, 1000 mm long, with a 10° × 75° beam. Precision-machined aluminium housing with tempered glass and an anti-glare design.
12W and 18W compact luminaires with a 10° × 180° beam, controlled over DMX512.
Defining a Distinctive Nighttime Identity
Ultimately, the lighting design transforms the building into a strong visual presence within the urban environment. Through the balance of horizontal and vertical lighting elements, we created a façade that is both elegant and expressive, contributing to a more engaging streetscape and reinforcing the project’s architectural identity after dark.
From the presentation boards
Specifying a commercial project?
Looking to enhance the visual impact of your development or commercial project? Lucretia specialises in architectural façade lighting design that brings buildings to life after dark. From concept development to technical delivery, our team creates tailored lighting solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and long-term performance.
